In Neshoba, Branning polled 67 percent, or 2,748 votes, while Forsman had 1,351. In Leake County, Branning received 52 percent of the vote, or 344 to 318. In Winston County, Forsman polled 288 votes, or 76 percent, while Branning had 91 votes.

Branning will succeed Republican Sen. Giles Ward of Louisville who is retiring.

She thanked her supporters Tuesday night.

"Thank you to everyone that took the time to cast a vote for me," Branning said. "It means the world to me to have your trust to serve as the next State Senator from the 18th District. I want to thank my opponent for running a hard fought race. I wish him and his family the best in the future.

"My volunteers, supporters, family, and friends have given so much these past few months, and I could not have won this race without them. Finally, I want to thank my husband, Chancy, and my sons for being the foundation of who I am as a woman, mother, wife and now elected official.

"It will be an honor to serve you and to serve the state of Mississippi. During the campaign Branning said she was a fifth generation Neshoba countian and a practicing attorney who helps businesses to grow and create jobs.

If elected, she said she would "reduce the size and scope of government in our daily lives and fight Obama's EPA and their job-killing regulations."

She vowed to "stand up for farmers and other agri-businesses and to oppose Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Mississippi."

Branning said she would support local control of schools, oppose Common Core, defend the second amendment, the right to life and traditional marriage.